The Uni Guide, 2021 by Togatus

the uni guide edition 2021

Togatus is published by the TUSA State Council on behalf of the Tasmanian University Student Association (henceforth known as “the publishers”) It is understood that all submissions to Togatus are the intellectual property of the contributor. However, the publishers reserve the right to reproduce material on the Togatus website at togatus.com.au Togatus Team: Editor-in-Chief: India Beecroft Deputy Editor: Sarah Davison Publication Director: Joanna Beitsch Creative Director: Zaniel Clark Togatus welcomes all your contributions. Please email your work and ideas to contribute@togatus.online The opinions expressed herein are not those of the editors, the publishers, the University of Tasmania, or the Tasmanian University Student Association. Reasonable care is taken to ensure that Togatus articles and other information are up-to-date and as accurate as possible at the time of publication, but no responsibility can be taken by Togatus for any errors or omissions. Contact Togatus: Website: togatus.com.au Facebook: @TogatusOnline Twitter & Instagram: @togatus_ Post: PO Box 5055, UTAS LPO, Sandy Bay 7005 Email: admin@togatus.online Contribute: contribute@togatus.online Advertise: marketing@togatus.online Togatus is printed by Monotone Art Printers.

UNI GUIDE 2021

Today we are meeting across lutruwita (Tasmania) Aboriginal land, sea and waterways. We acknowledge, with deep respect, the traditional owners of this land, the palawa people. The palawa people belong to the oldest continuing culture in the world. They cared and protected Country for thousands of years. They knew this land, they lived on the land and they died on these lands. We honour them. We pay respect to elders past and present and to the many Aboriginal people that did not make elder status and to the Tasmanian Aboriginal community that continue to care for Country. We recognise a history of truth which acknowledges the impacts of invasion and colonisation upon Aboriginal people resulting in their forcible removal from their lands. Our Island is deeply unique, with spectacular landscapes with our cities and towns surrounded by bushland, wilderness, mountain ranges and beaches. We stand for a future that profoundly respects and acknowledges Aboriginal perspectives, culture, language and history. And a continued effort to fight for Aboriginal justice and rights paving the way for a strong future.

semester one 15–19 Feb

Orientation Week

22 Feb

Semester 1 commences

8 Mar

Eight Hours Day

23 Mar

Census date

1–7 Apr

Mid-semester break | Easter

25 Apr

ANZAC Day

7 May

Exam timetable released

30 May

Semester 1 ends

31– 4 Jun

Study period

5–22 Jun

Exams

23 Jun

Semester break commences

7 July

Results released

semester two Orientation Week

5–9 Jul

Semester 2 commences

12 Jul

Census date

10 Aug

Mid-semester break

30–5 Sep

Exam timetable released

24 Sep

Semester 2 ends

17 Oct

Study period

18–22 Oct

Exams

23–9 Nov

Results released

24 Nov

KEY DATES 2021 4

UNI GUIDE 2021

tusa president’s welcome

90 years of tog

your tusa 12 10

unit enrolment & timetables commencing student info 14 websites that may save your life

mental health backup services & support

advocacy

CONTENTS 5

TUSA President’s Welcome

Braydon Broad • TUSA President

Congratulations! If you are reading this you have already gotten yourself involved in University life. You’ve also found this handy booklet, which offers a roadmap showing how you can get the most out of your time here at UTAS. Where did this godsend of a booklet come from you ask? Well it came from the same place that all good things around here come from – your student leaders. Every year the folks at Togatus sit down with student reps like myself and work out what content is actually going to capture your evershrinking attention span (thanks Tik Tok). We would be remiss not to mention that your best bet for making friends, finding out about parties and doing general fun stuff is to find a club or society that excites you. We have over 130 of them – so you are bound to *vibe* with at least one. There’s probably even one that exists for the course that you’re studying! Societies and student representatives can be really helpful in getting the University to change its mind on different issues or address problems when they pop up. If you or your classmates feel that you are being treated unfairly throughout the year – definitely don’t keep it to yourself. We are here to be your megaphone to your tutors, your lecturers and even the Vice-Chancellor if need be.

UNI GUIDE 2021

There’s also a good chance that you will stuff something up over the next couple of years or otherwise find yourself in dire straits, but don’t panic – we can help you with just about anything. Our Student Advocates can help you navigate whatever life throws your way while you’re at university. As long as Covid-19 gives us a chance at happiness this year (Dan Andrews, please be merciful) we will be offering you a constant barrage of shenanigans and life building opportunities and I urge you to take advantage of as many of them as possible. Getting involved now will open the door to becoming a student leader in the future which, not to brag, can even result in you getting your own car park on campus. If you ever want to catch up for a coffee (or a beer) please find my contact details somewhere in this booklet and flick me an email. I look forward to seeing you on campus somewhere this year!

90 Years of Togatus

India Beecroft • Editor-in-Chief

Student media is more important than ever. In our 90th Year, Togatus is calling on everyone to get involved, smash the patriarchy and point out the good, the bad and the ugly going on in our university community. Togatus is the foremost university publication in Tasmania. Beating out the competition, we have for many years delivered premium student journalism to UTAS students. Since 1931, we have diversified and evolved with the times, to make sure that students are in the know about what’s what. To this end, you can find our editions online and in print, whichever takes your fancy. We also take student submissions. If you have a burning desire to write an investigative critique of the university, or you have a hilarious story you need to share, then we want to hear from you. If you want to give a scathing review of a movie or book, or you want to share your photography or art, send us a message.

UNI GUIDE 2021

Basically, if you: • • • •

Want to write, draw or share Have an idea or don’t Are funny, interesting, serious, artistic, sincere or boring Or are just willing to give it a go

Then get in touch. At the very least we’ll give you a shoulder to cry on. And you never know, you might get featured in a print edition of Togatus – something we’re sure your parents will love. If you’re still unconvinced, then just give us a read. We do our best to be entertaining, and promise that you won’t have wasted your time. With the rise of COVID-19, it’s more important than ever to support your local media. And what’s more local to a uni student than a student magazine? Keep a lookout for our print editions, and watch this space for our articles, information and gossip, as we leap into 2021.

Your TUSA State President Braydon Broad • braydon.broad@utas.edu.au Braydon is responsible for overseeing the representation of all students at UTAS. He leads the State Council to ensure students are represented at all levels of the University. Special Projects President Maria Kumar • maria.kumar@utas.edu.au Maria is responsible for running the initiatives and projects that the State Council decide are in the interests of students on all UTAS campuses. These may include campaigns on mental health, sustainability, or any issues that appear in 2021. Equity President Sophie Crothers • sophie.crothers@utas.edu.au Sophie represents students from all equity areas, including students who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, as part of the LGBTQ+ community, as having a disability, as a woman or as being an international student. Education President – Undergraduate Elizabeth Joseph • elizabeth.joseph@utas.edu.au Elizabeth represents the academic needs of all undergraduate students at the University of Tasmania, and takes their concerns directly to the University.

UNI GUIDE 2021

Education President – Postgraduate Rohan Puri • rohan.puri@utas.edu.au Rohan represents the academic needs of all postgraduate students at the University of Tasmania, and takes their concerns directly to the University. Education President – Distance Jaspreet Sethi • jaspreet.sethi@utas.edu.au Jaspreet represents the academic needs of all students studying by distance at the University of Tasmania, and takes their concerns directly to the University. Student Experience President – South Madeleine Webster • madeleine.webster@utas.edu.au Madeleine is responsible for engaging Hobart students with TUSA, and the management of the Clubs and Societies in the South. Student Experience President – North Ratchata Panyadong (Zac) • ratchata.panyadong@utas.edu.au Zac is responsible for engaging Launceston students with TUSA, and the management of the Clubs and Societies in the North.

Student Experience Vice President – Cradle Coast Davina Smith • davina.smith@utas.edu.au Davina is responsible for engaging Cradle Coast students with TUSA, and the creation and management of the Clubs and Societies on the Cradle Coast. Student Experience Vice President – Sydney Richenda Ewen • richendaewen@utas.edu.au Richenda is responsible for engaging Sydney students with TUSA, and the creation and management of the Clubs and Societies in Sydney.

Unit Enrolment & Timetables

If you are a continuing student at UTAS, you may be surprised to see that our enrolment system has had a facelift! eStudent is still where you go to enrol in all your courses and also where you manage your payments/fees and your personal details. Once you’ve logged in to eStudent, you’ll now head straight to the MyStudy tab to manage your study plan. The new MyStudy looks a little bit different from the Study Planner of yesteryear: • Now, your passed courses will be identified with a ‘tick’ ✓ • ! Units that are awaiting enrolment are identified with an exclamation mark • ? Elective units are identified by ‘selection required’

Some degrees, such as a Bachelor of Arts require you to add your Major and then choose units relevant to your Major. If your course doesn’t allow for choice aka ‘prescribed’, or you have limited choice of units, your job is even simpler! Your course units will already be listed for you. The new MyStudy system makes it easier than ever to navigate your enrolment! If you require more assistance, contact the Course Information Officers through UConnect.

UNI GUIDE 2021

MyTimetable MyTimetable is a new system for UTAS that’s bound to make your enrolment and first weeks of uni easier than ever! Here are some of our favourite features of this new system: 1. MyTimetable sorts your schedule for you! By taking your preferences into consideration, MyTimetable does all the boring planning so your timetable is sorted for you. 2. MyTimetable is adaptable! The view of MyTimetable can be changed from ‘list’ to ‘grid’ view depending on what format works best for you! 3. You can make connections through MyTimetable by clicking ‘Compare Timetable’ to make sure you and your friends are in the same tutorials. 4. You can create ‘Workgroups’ for study groups or group assignments and these meetings will show up on everyone’s timetable! No more excuses from the guy in your group assignment who is always conveniently MIA!

Commencing Student Information

What do I need to know? Starting university again is always hectic, more so in the middle of a pandemic. So to give you an idea of what to expect, and how to avoid failing a subject before you even start, we at Tog have created a very simple crash-course in how not to crash (that badly). To avoid crashing please note: 1. Check your enrolment! Make sure that you’re actually enrolled, and that you actually want to be enrolled in the classes that you are. This can be done through eStudent. 2. If your enrolment isn’t right, make sure you fix it asap! If you pull out before the 23rd of March, you won’t have to pay for the unit – if you don’t make this date, you will have to pay. If you don’t pull out of the unit until after the 12th of April, not only will you have to pay for the unit, but you will also have a fail grade recorded on your academic record. Obviously, try to avoid this. 3. Plan your timetable! Check out your timetable at studenttimetable.UTAS.edu.au. More on this later, but by the end of Orientation Week you should be able to see all your units. 4. Make sure you’ve got access to the UTAS systems! Make sure that you have access to all the UTAS systems prior to semester starting, including the UTAS Webmail and MyLO.

UNI GUIDE 2021

5. Check the outline! Every UTAS unit will have a unit outline, which you can access through MyLO. This outline will have every bit of information about that unit that you need to succeed. This includes assessment details and deadlines, attendance requirements, lecturer and tutor contacts, and every other bit of relevant information that you can imagine. Make sure you don’t forget to check this out! Don’t have a clue? 1. If you’re already enrolled in a course, and need more information, contact your lecturer for that particular unit, or the course coordinator if you’re unsure what units you should be enrolled in. 2. If you’re not enrolled yet, and want to know more, contact UTAS. The best way to get through is to call 1300 363 864, or email course.info@UTAS.edu.au. 3. If you can’t figure out eStudent, contact UConnect. The folks at UConnect are a good first contact for any issues you have as a current student. You can drop in to see them, or call them on 1300 826 663 (or +61 3 6226 6111 if calling internationally) during business hours. 4. Similarly, if you’re struggling with Mylo or something just isn’t working, contact your lecturer or tutor for that unit. 5. If you’re really having trouble with the UTAS system, contact IT services. You can either go through UTAS1.service-now. com/selfservice to get help, or call +61 3 6226 2600. They are open 8am to 6pm on weekdays, and 10am - 1pm on weekends.

Passwords • If you need to reset your password go to UTAS.edu.au/ mypassword and click on ‘Set your Password’ then enter your username and click ‘Next’. A security code will be sent to your mobile phone. Enter the code and continue in order to set a new password. • Make sure you read the prompts on UTAS websites carefully because some sites like MyLO require your email address as a username (example@UTAS.edu.au), while others may just ask for your generic UTAS username. • If you have not been provided with a username or password, or are unable to login after attempting to reset your password, contact IT Services. Have your Student ID number on hand, as well as information such as your date of birth and mobile number for identification purposes.

Where can I go on campus? Surprisingly, we actually do have some facilities open on campus. The Launceston, Cradle Coast and Morris Miller Library are all open, however unlike in previous years their opening times are limited to 8.45am to 5pm on weekdays. Other libraries are also open, but with limited hours and occupancy limits. There are also two Student Lounges: the Launceston Lounge, located in building Z on the Newham Campus, and the Sandy Bay Lounge, located opposite the Morris Miller. Both these locations include kitchen areas, study areas and printing facilities. To access all these facilities, you will need to go through temperature testing, and get your student ID checked into the system. More information on this later.

UNI GUIDE 2021

Websites that may save your life

University before the internet ... It sounds like a nightmarish hellscape that we are blessed to have avoided. Can you imagine trying to tackle a group assessment without Facebook Messenger? So, with that in mind let us have a quick squiz at some of the websites that are bound to save your ass whilst studying. eStudent • estudent.utas.edu.au Your first port of call as a commencing student! eStudent is your administration tool for University life. Head to eStudent to enrol in units, confirm your contact information, view your study fees and access your exam timetable. If your enrolment isn’t quite right, head to eStudent to fix it up before March 23, 2021 (census date). MyLO • mylo.utas.edu.au In university speak, MyLO stands for My Learning Online (not to be confused with the delicious chocolate malt drink.) MyLO acts as your personal homepage for all of your university study. In MyLO you will find your unit homepages with lecture recordings, reading materials, course information, discussion boards and communication from your lecturers or

tutors. Additionally, MyLO is where you will submit all your assignments throughout the semester. Make sure to log in and check your MyLO page regularly throughout the semester to keep on top of your studies! UTAS Webmail • www.utas.edu.au/webmail Your UTAS email address will be how you receive communications from the University and your lecturers and tutors throughout the semester. It is important to keep an eye on these emails throughout the semester for essential information about your studies. Your UTAS email address runs through Outlook so your emails, calendars, contacts, and files are all in one convenient location. Download the Outlook App for Android or iOS so you can access your university emails on the go! Tasmanian University Student Association Website • tusa.org.au The TUSA (Tasmanian University Student Association) website is a helpful resource for any UTAS student. The TUSA website will help you find clubs and societies to join – this a great way of finding a community in your first weeks as a student! Additionally, the TUSA website is essential if you find yourself struggling with any aspect of university life. From financial aid to advocacy and legal advice, the TUSA is always here to help! Head to the TUSA website to see all the services and support that is available to you while you study. Did you know that the TUSA organises some really exciting unique Tasmanian experiences for students, at heavily discounted prices? Trips around Tasmania include bushwalking, diving, rafting and climbing. From Freycinet to Cape Raoul head to the TUSA website to choose your next uniquely Tasmania Experience!

UNI GUIDE 2021

Mental Health Backup

Sarah Davison • Deputy Editor

So, you’re here, you made it –you're at University! You might be fresh out of College (Year 12 for you mainlanders) or maybe with a little bit more of a break between study. Whatever stage you’re in and whatever degree you’re pursuing, starting University is a Big Life Change. And Big Life Changes can be wonderful, but they can also feel a bit overwhelming. A 2016 study by Headspace and the National Union of Students found significantly higher levels of psychological distress amongst students than a comparable group of non-students. This was found to be a result of stressors that directly impact tertiary students, such as academic and financial stress, increased workload, moving out of the primary home and the establishment of new social networks. So, with those somewhat dreary statistics in mind, what can you do to stay happy and healthy at university?

Do some exercise (even if it’s the last thing you feel like doing) We’ve all been there, deadline looming on a major assignment and you simply don’t have the time to go to the gym. However, even just a walk around the block, a 10-minute yoga routine on YouTube or kicking a football around with a mate is a great way to burn off some of that nervous energy! Exercise promotes those feel-good chemicals, in addition to helping improve sleep quality and general wellbeing. And as Elle Woods famously said, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't...”– well you get the idea. Get organised It’s boring but sometimes the best antidote to stress is organisation! Keep on top of your assignment due dates and map out a study timetable that works with your other commitments. Whilst there’s a special sense of solidarity when you find yourself in a 24/7 computer lab at 10pm with only a few other students, there are more enjoyable places to be on a Friday night. Trust me. Practice mindfulness Meditation and mindfulness practices have been linked to numerous positive benefits for mental and physical wellbeing. The Headspace app is a wonderful resource for learning meditation and is only $9.99 annually for students! Head to www.headspace.com/studentplan to start your mindfulness journey for the cost of two coffees at Lazenby’s.

UNI GUIDE 2021

Pay attention to your nutrition Living off Red Bulls and BBQ Shapes during exam period is convenient but it’s also bound to make you feel like you’re on an emotional rollercoaster! Making sure you drink enough water and eating a balanced diet is essential to performing your best. Omega-3 deficiency can lead to fatigue and poor memory (not ideal whilst studying) so try and include brain food in your diet such as oily fish, pumpkin seeds (pepitas) or flaxseed oil. Remember to have fun It can be tough to prioritise socialising or relaxing when you’re stressed with your studies but taking time out to unwind is essential to your wellbeing. Block out some time each week to catch up with friends or do something else that you enjoy. Even just venting about your workload with others who are in the same boat can be incredibly therapeutic! Reach out for support if you need it Whilst all of the above are helpful in helping you maintain your wellbeing during your studies, sometimes self-care just isn’t cutting it! The University of Tasmania offers free and confidential counselling to all students. These personal counselling sessions are available in person, online, over the phone or via Zoom. These counselling sessions can assist you with a range of academic, mental health and personal concerns. Additionally, counsellors can assist with putting you in contact with specialist services in the wider community if needed. To book a free appointment with a counsellor, head to UTAS.edu.au/appointments.

Services & Support

Learning support UTAS offer a range of programs and resources to help you thrive at university. These include training in time management, effective researching, assignment writing, and more. Support services include: • Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) – student led study groups for specific units. • Student Advisers – one-on-one specialised support to help stay on track • Learning workshops and webinars – live and pre-recorded sessions across a range of topics • 24 Hour Study Support – Live chat anytime (literally 24/7) with subject matter experts for assignment feedback • Learning Lounge – drop in and talk with other students and peer mentors Career guidance Getting career advice while you’re at university eases the transition from study to work. UTAS can assist you in: • making decisions about your career, • finding work while you’re studying, and • connecting you with employers.

UNI GUIDE 2021

Student Portal The Student Portal makes it easy to get the information you need, when you need it. From career guidance to counselling, learning support, university news to upcoming events, you’ll gain automatic access to the portal upon accepting your offer. Counselling When you become a student with UTAS, you get access to confidential and professional counselling, both in person and online. These services are available for those experiencing academic, mental health and personal concerns. Counsellors can also help to connect the wider community with specialist services. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students The Riawunna Centre team is focused on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student success. They provide a culturally welcoming space for students to study, access academic and cultural support, and be a part of a dynamic community. Safe and Fair Community Unit This is a university-wide service providing support, advice and information to keep everyone in our community safe and well. A safe and respectful University community is everybody’s responsibility. UTAS is here to listen, provide information and advice regarding your options and support, and where appropriate, will facilitate actions to assist you with your situation. We respond to notifications of sexual assault or sexual harassment, concerns raised in relation to wellbeing or behaviour, reports of misconduct and the lodgement of general concerns or complaints. Contact us at +61 3 6226 2560 or SaFCU@UTAS.edu.au

TUSA Student Community Support Services

Welfare

Academic

Legal Assistance with raising and responding to behavioural based complaints and concerns Access to emergency food, hygiene supplies and other basic needs

Responding to Academic Integrity allegations Access to free legal advice including migration.

Appealing decisions made by UTAS

Signposting to other student support services Access to financial counselling and support with financial assistance applications

Making course enquiries and raising concerns

Signposting to other academic services

For help with enrolment questions

For help with study skills

Referrals to external welfare organisations

Family & childcare support

Employment

Health (mental/physical)

Harassment & Discrimination

Legal

TUSA Student Advocates can help with accessing these services. Independent from the university, Student Advocates are best placed to offer confidential advice and support or know where suitable support can be found.

UNI GUIDE 2021

Student Advocacy

TUSA’s Student Advocacy Service – here for you. If you ever need to use our service, the first thing we do is listen. This means we sit with you for however long it takes so that you feel comfortable talking to us. Whether it be an academic or welfare related issue our job is to provide support and advice on how to move forward in the best possible way – empowering you to take control of your future. Student Advocates have a deep knowledge of the inner workings of the University of Tasmania. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to respond to a formal letter or attend a meeting, we can support you. With our help, the ordinances, policies, and procedures written by lawyers can be translated into simple, easy to understand language – helping you navigate your way. You’ll receive the best possible advice on what your options are as well as receiving the emotional support you need. Student Advocates know that academic issues are not the only problems students face. We also provide support with adjusting to university life and managing situations if they turn for the worst. Working with Financial Counsellors via Anglicare Tasmania and Lawyers through the Student Legal Service are just two examples of how our service aims to provide a helping hand when you most need it.

Based in Hobart and Launceston but offering the service to all UTAS students, meet the team: Kate – Hobart – Undergraduate Students: I have been lucky enough to work as a Student Advocate for many years now. I understand the opportunities that can open-up for those who have been fortunate enough to access education. But I also understand that it is not always easy. I am committed to ensuring that student’s voices are heard within the university, for those who may have been disadvantaged. Jack – Hobart – Postgraduate Students: In my role I mostly focus on supporting Postgraduate students. I enjoy working with them to help support them through any challenges they are facing. It’s always a great feeling when the work we do makes a real difference to someone and it’s why the Student Advocacy service exists – to support the most important people at university – the students! Emma – Launceston – Undergraduate Students: I am passionate about understanding other’s experiences, and it is a privilege to have the trust of students to help navigate the difficulties of life. If you find yourself in a tricky spot during your studies, our doors are open and we are here to help the best we can. To find out more or speak with a Student Advocate: Website: tusa.org.au/about-our-student-advocacy-program/ Email: TUSA.Support@utas.edu.au Phone: (03) 6226 2855

UNI GUIDE 2021

Staying COVID safe We’re so excited for you to enjoy all the learning, teaching and social activities that our campuses have to offer. Before you get started, there are just a few simple steps to take. These will keep our community safe and ensure that everyone has a great experience in 2021.

Here’s what you need to do: Step 1: Order your Student ID card before arriving or as soon as possible. We can send it out to you. Step 2: Once you have access to MyLO, our online learning system, please complete the COVID-safe return to campus module. Step 3: To confirm you’re healthy when you arrive, visit a health screening station and swipe in with your student ID card. Step 4: When you’re on campus, log into our wifi with your username (or as a visitor). In the unlikely event that a positive case is identified, this allows us to quickly trace all of those affected.

To learn more, head to utas.edu.au/covid-safe